Sen. Steinhardt sounds alarm after spy tech found in Chinese solar inverters, urges swift ban on foreign access to NJ infrastructure

NEW JERSEY – In response to shocking revelations that unauthorized communication devices—potentially linked to foreign adversaries—have been found embedded in Chinese-manufactured solar power inverters, Senator Doug Steinhardt (R-23) issued the following statement:

“The recent discovery of rogue communication devices underscores a chilling reality: our critical infrastructure is vulnerable, and New Jersey’s leadership is asleep at the wheel. Allowing hostile foreign governments like China to potentially penetrate our technology and energy networks is not just an economic issue—it’s a serious and growing national security threat.”

“This is no longer a hypothetical danger. We are now seeing tangible evidence that surveillance tools from adversarial nations are operating undetected in systems that power our homes and communities and in this instance, CCP spy tech is hiding in plain sight.”

“I’ve been sounding the alarm on this for years and Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats must stop dragging their feet. I am calling on them, again, to immediately pass my legislation to ban foreign adversaries from any access to New Jersey’s infrastructure and technology.”

Senator Steinhardt is the sponsor of several key bills aimed at defending New Jersey from foreign adversaries and protecting the State’s strategic resources:

• S-728: Prohibits government entities from procuring and using technology products and services from companies owned by, controlled by, or domiciled in certain foreign countries.
• S-731: Prohibits foreign companies created under the laws of foreign adversaries from participating in critical infrastructure.
• S-723: Restricts all ownership of agricultural land in the State by foreign governments and foreign persons.
• S-3591: Prohibits ownership of certain protected land adjacent to military facilities in the State by certain foreign governments and persons.

“We cannot afford to let our energy systems, our food supply, or any strategic assets fall into the hands of those who wish us harm,” Steinhardt said. “The time to act is now.”